Biomineralization induced by chitosan and collagen-based materials with fluoride for dentin coverage: Chemical and morphological analysis

The prevention and treatment of erosive tooth wear are becoming increasingly important due to its increasing prevalence. The use of natural solutions to modify dental surfaces has become an area of research. Organic materials such as chitosan and hydrolyzed collagen may be a promising option to treat dentin. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the influence of chitosan or hydrolyzed collagen, alone or combined with acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel, on the composition and morphology of dentin after erosion. Bovine dentin samples were prepared (n = 84) and treated with artificial saliva (AS, negative control); APF gel (F, positive control); chitosan solution (Chi); hydrolyzed collagen solution (Col); fluoride/chitosan composition (F_Chi); and fluoride/hydrolyzed collagen composition (F_Col). Erosive cycles (six cycles of immersion in orange juice for 1 min, followed by immersion in AS for 1 hr) were performed. The materials were characterized by their morphology, composition, and particle size distribution. Micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron were used to evaluate the dentin's inorganic chemical composition and morphology. The F_Col and F groups had a reduction in calcium loss by 17 and 26%, respectively (p < .001). Both of these groups still had a covering layer of agglomerates at the dentin surface after the erosive cycles. The fluoridated chitosan or collagen solutions improved the dentin resistance to erosion as a novel hybrid-fluoride-based material approach to provide surface protection from erosion.     

Kidney injury and cell therapy: Preclinical study

The aim of this study is to show histological and immunofluorescence analysis of renal parenchyma of agoutis affected by gentamicin‐induced renal disease after the infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) stained with Hoechst®. Nine agouti's males were divided into three groups: Test group (TG): renal disease by gentamicin induced (n = 3), cell therapy group (CTG): renal disease by gentamicin induced and BMMC infusion (n = 3), and control group (CG): nonrenal disease and BMMC infusion (n = 3). TG and CTG were submitted to the protocol of renal disease induction using weekly application of gentamicin sulfate for 4 months. CG and CTG received a 1 × 108 BMMC stained with Hoechst and were euthanized for kidney examination 21 days after BMMC injection and samples were collected for histology and immunofluorescence analysis. Histological analysis demonstrated typical interstitial lesions in kidney similarly to human disease, as tubular necrosis, glomerular destruction, atrophy tubular, fibrotic areas, and collagen deposition. We conclude that histological analysis suggest a positive application of agouti's as a model for a gentamicin inducing of kidney disease, beyond the immunofluorescence analysis suggest a significant migration of BMMC to sites of renal injury in CTG. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Biofilm formation in Haas palatal expanders with and without use of an antimicrobial agent: an in situ study

Orthodontic appliances causes specific alterations in oral environment, including reduction of pH, increase of dental biofilm and elevation of salivary microbial levels, causing an increased risk for dental caries. This study evaluated, using microbial culture and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the in situ contamination by mutans streptococci (MS) of different surfaces of Haas palatal expanders with and without use of chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinses (CHX). Thirty‐four patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 17/group), using placebo (Group I) and 0.12% CHX (Group II—Periogard^®) mouthrinses twice a week. After 4 months, appliances were submitted to microbiological processing and after fragments were analyzed by SEM. Mann–Whitney U test (α = 5%) was used to assess differences between groups on the appliances' different surfaces and to compare the contamination on the free and nonfree surfaces of these components. There was no difference (p = 0.999) between groups regarding the number of MS colonies/biofilms on the nonfree surfaces, which showed intense contamination. However, free surfaces of Group II presented less contamination (p < 0.001) than those of Group I in all appliances' components. Results of the microbial culture were confirmed by SEM. Use of 0.12% CHX was effective in reducing the formation of MS colonies/biofilms on free surfaces of Haas expanders, in situ.     

Effects of prolonged use of over-the-counter bleaching agents on enamel: An in vitro study

This study evaluated the effects of four over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching products on the properties of enamel. Extracted human molars were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 5): PD: Poladay (SDI), WG: White Teeth Global (White Teeth Global), CW: Crest3DWhite (Procter & Gamble), and HS: HiSmile (HiSmile). The hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content in each product was analyzed via titration. Twenty teeth were sectioned into quarters, embedded in epoxy resin, and polished. Each quarter-tooth surface was treated with one of the four beaching times: T0: control/no-bleaching, T14: 14 days, T28: 28 days, and T56: 56 days. Materials were applied to enamel surfaces as recommended. Enamel surfaces were examined for ultramicrohardness (UMH), elastic modulus (EM), superficial roughness (Sa), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ten additional teeth were used to evaluate color and degree of demineralization (DD) (n = 5). Data were statistically tested by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 5%). Enamel surfaces treated with PD and WG presented UMH values significantly lower than the controls (p < .05). Elastic modulus (E) was significantly reduced at T14 and T28 for PD, and at T14 for HS (p < .05). A significant increase in Sa was observed for CW at T14 (p < .05). Color changes were observed in the PD and WG groups. Additionally, DD analysis showed significant demineralization at T56 for CW. Overall, more evident morphological alterations were observed for bleaching products with higher concentrations of H₂O₂ (p < .05), PD, and WG. Over-the-counter bleaching products containing H₂O₂ can significantly alter enamel properties, especially when application time is extended.     

How does antiseptic mouthwashes against SARS-COV-2 affect the bond strength of universal adhesive to enamel?

This study compares the effect of different mouthwashes that have been recommended during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on shear bond strength (SBS) of universal adhesive to enamel in regards to self-etch (SE) and etch-and-rinse (ER) modes. Flat enamel surfaces were obtained from 100 sound human maxillary central incisors. They were randomly allocated to five groups according to the different mouthwashes (no mouthwash/control [Ctrl], 0.2% chlorhexidine 1.5% hydrogen peroxide [H₂O₂], 0.2% povidone-iodine [PVP-I], Listerine [L]), and adhesive application modes (ER and SE) (n = 10). After the application of a universal adhesive (single bond universal), composite resin (Filtek Z250) was bonded by a cylinder-shaped mold (height: 2 mm, diameter: 2.4 mm). They were subjected to SBS test using a universal testing machine (AGS-X, Shimadzu Corp.) (crosshead speed: 1 mm/min). The resin–enamel interfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The semiquantitative chemical microanalyses were performed with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni test (p < .05). In SE mode, Group Ctrl revealed significantly higher SBS than all mouthwash groups (p < .05). In ER mode, Group Ctrl showed significantly higher SBS than H₂O₂ and PVP-I groups (p < .05). ER mode caused significantly higher SBS than SE mode in all mouthwash groups (p < .05). The SEM observations highlighted that Group Ctrl had a regular and intact hybrid layer with resin tag formation while the H₂O₂ and PVP-I groups exhibited a thin hybrid layer in both modes. EDS analysis indicated that in SE mode, all mouthwash groups presented increased O content compared to Group Ctrl. H₂O₂ and PVP-I that were suggested for preprocedural use during the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced the enamel bond strength of the universal adhesive in ER mode.     

Effect of Peroxiredoxin 1 on the biological function of airway epithelial cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) participates in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study aimed to investigate the effect of PRDX1 on the EMT of airway epithelial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). PRDX1 overexpression significantly increased the proliferation and migration of human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells, reduced cell apoptosis (p < 0.01), and induced EMT and collagen deposition by upregulating the expression of the matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)2, MMP9, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), N-cadherin, vimentin and twist proteins and inhibiting E-cadherin expression (p < 0.05). PRDX1 overexpression promoted TGF-β1-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and migration and significantly enhanced the TGF-β1-induced EMT and collagen synthesis (p < 0.05). Knockdown of PRDX1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, EMT, and collagen synthesis (p < 0.01), reversed LPS-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and migration, and significantly suppressed LPS-induced EMT and collagen synthesis (p < 0.01). The result indicating that PRDX1 may be involved in LPS/TGF-1-induced EMT and collagen synthesis in human bronchial epithelial cells.     

Antimicrobial effect,frictional resistance,and surface roughness of stainless steel orthodontic brackets coated with nanofilms of silver and titanium oxide: a preliminary study

Nano‐silver and nano‐titanium oxide films can be coated over brackets in order to reduce bacterial aggregation and friction. However, their antimicrobial efficacy, surface roughness, and frictional resistance are not assessed before. Fifty‐five stainless‐steel brackets were divided into 5 groups of 11 brackets each: uncoated brackets, brackets coated with 60 µm silver, 100 µm silver, 60 µm titanium, and 100 µm titanium. Coating was performed using physical vapor deposition method. For friction test, three brackets from each group were randomly selected and tested. For scanning electron microscopy and atomic‐force microscopy assessments, one and one brackets were selected from each group. For antibacterial assessment, six brackets were selected from each group. Of them, three were immediately subjected to direct contact with S. mutans. Colonies were counted 3, 6, 24, and 48 h of contact. The other three were stored in water for 3 months. Then were subjected to a similar direct contact test. Results pertaining to both subgroups were combined. Groups were compared statistically. Mean (SD) friction values of the groups 'control, silver‐60, silver‐100, titanium‐60, and titanium‐100' were 0.55 ± 0.14, 0.77 ± 0.08, 0.82 ± 0.11, 1.52 ± 0.24, and 1.57 ± 0.41 N, respectively (p = .0004, Kruskal–Wallis). Titanium frictions were significantly greater than control (p < .05), but silver groups were not (p > .05, Dunn). In the uncoated group, colony count increased exponentially within 48 h. The coated groups showed significant reductions in colony count (p < .05, two‐way‐repeated‐measures ANOVA). In conclusions, all four explained coatings reduce surface roughness and bacterial growth. Nano‐titanium films are not suitable for friction reduction. Nano‐silver results were not conclusive and need future larger studies.     

Accurate assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease lesions in liver allograft biopsies by a smartphone platform: A proof of concept

Macrovesicular steatosis (MS) is a major risk factor for liver graft failure after transplantation and pathological microscopic examination of a frozen tissue section remains the gold standard for its assessment. However, the latter requires an experienced in‐house pathologist for correct and rapid diagnosis as well as specific equipment that is not always available. Smartphones, which are must‐have tools for everyone, are very suitable for incorporation into promising technology to generate moveable diagnostic tools as for telepathology. The study aims to compare the microscopic assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) spectrum in liver allograft biopsies by a smartphone microscopy platform (DIPLE device) to standard light microscopy. Forty‐two liver graft biopsies were evaluated in transmitted light, using an iPhone X and the microscopy platform. A significant correlation was reported between the two different approaches for graft MS assessment (Spearman's correlation coefficient: r = .93; p < .001) and for steatohepatitis feature (r = .56; p < .001; r = .45; p < .001). Based on these findings, a smartphone integrated with a cheap microscopy platform can achieve adequate accuracy in the assessment of NAFLD in liver graft and could be used as an alternative to standard light microscopy when the latter is unavailable.     

Evaporation heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of r-134a in the oblong shell and plate heat exchanger

The evaporation heat transfer coefficienthr and frictional pressure drop δp_f of refrigerant R-134a flowing in the oblong shell and plate heat exchanger were investigated experimentally in this study. Four vertical counterflow channels were formed in the oblong shell and plate heat exchanger by four plates of geometry with a corrugated sinusoid shape of a 45° chevron angle. Upflow of refrigerant R-134a boils in two channels receiving heat from downflow of hot water in other channels. The effects of the refrigerant mass flux, average heat flux, refrigerant saturation temperature and vapor quality of R- 134a were explored in detail. Similar to the case of a plate heat exchanger, even at a very low Reynolds number, the flow in the oblong shell and plate heat exchanger remains turbulent. The results indicate that the evaporation heat transfer coefficienthr and pressure drop Δp_f increase with the vapor quality. A rise in the refrigerant mass flux causes an increase in theh _r and Δp_f. But the effect of the average heat flux does not show significant effect on the h_r and Δp_f. Finally, at a higher saturation temperature, both theh _r and Δp_f are found to be lower. The empirical correlations are also provided for the measured heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop in terms of the Nusselt number and friction factor.     

Effects of QMix and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on decalcification and erosion of root canal dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of initial NaOCl on the decalcification and erosion ability of EDTA and QMix. Sixty‐maxillary‐incisors were bisected longitudinally and the tooth‐halves were used. The experiment was conducted in two‐sets. In set‐I, 80‐tooth halves were treated in the presence or absence of initial NaOCl and EDTA. In set‐II, 40‐tooth halves were immersed in NaOCl and QMix. After each treatment, calcium‐ion release was determined with flame photometry. The erosion was imaged using SEM. Initial NaOCl led to concentration‐ and time‐dependent increase in calcium removal effect of 17% EDTA (p < .05). The rate of calcium removal and root canal wall erosion was considerably more severe with the use of 5% NaOCl for 3 min (p < .05). QMix as a final solution showed less decalcification and erosion than 17% EDTA when used 5% NaOCl as an initial irrigant (p < .05). Optimizing the concentration and application time of NaOCl can decrease the decalcification effect of chelating agents.     

Effect of dentin pretreatment with potassium oxalate: A 6‐year follow‐up

Oxalate‐based products are effective against dentine sensitivity and have been studied as an option to improve long‐term adhesive bonding strength. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of potassium oxalate on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of the dentin/resin interface after 24 h, 1, and 6 years. Dentin on the occlusal surface of 16 human premolars was exposed and etched with 35% phosphoric acid. The teeth were divided into four groups. Two groups received 3% monohydrated potassium oxalate and the following adhesive systems and composites: Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose + FiltekZ350 (3M/ESPE) and Prime & Bond NT + Esthet‐X (Dentsply). Two control groups did not receive potassium oxalate. Teeth were cut into sticks and kept in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, 1, and 6 years. The sticks underwent µTBS testing after storage. ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, and paired t test were used to compare storage times (α = 0.05). The fracture mode of the specimens was classified under a stereomicroscope (40×). Morphology of the hybrid layer and the fracture pattern were observed with scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Mean µTBS was high at 24 h and decreased after 1 and 6 years. After 6 years, the mean µTBS values were similar with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = .121). SEM images showed proper dentin hybridization. Dentin pretreatment with potassium oxalate did not affect hybrid layer formation, but bond strength decreased over time after 24 h. Therefore, the clinical use of potassium oxalate to increase dentin bond durability is not indicated.     

Application of a continuum constitutive model to metallic foam DEN-specimens in compression

The behavior of double-edge notched specimens of metallic foams in compression is studied numerically. To model the constitutive behavior of the metallic foam, a recently developed phenomenological, pressure-sensitive yield surface [1] is used. Compressive yielding in response to hydrostatic stress is incorporated through a dependence on the plastic Poisson ratio ν^p. Results are presented in terms of limit load F_lim, as a function of notch depth, a/W, and the plastic Poisson ratio ν^p. For incompressible plastic behavior, ν^p=0.5, the results show notch-strengthening due to constrained plastic deformation near the crack/notch-tip. For fully compressible plastic behavior (no lateral expansion on uniaxial compression, ν^p=0), no notch-effect is observed. The validity of using a continuum model for the analysis of metallic foam notched specimens is discussed.     

Free vibration analyses of simply supported beams carrying multiple point masses and spring-mass systems with mass of each helical spring considered

In the conventional finite element method (FEM), the dynamic characteristics of a longitudinally vibrating rod with mass density ρ_r, Young's modulus E_r, cross-sectional area A_r and total length ℓ_r are considered to be the same as those of a helical spring with stiffness constant k_r=A_rE_r/ℓ_r and total mass m_r=ρ_rA_rℓ_r. For a lumped-mass model, the mass matrix of a rod element is a 2×2 diagonal one with each of its non-zero coefficients to be equal to one half of the total rod mass (i.e., 0.5m_r). Furthermore, the dynamic characteristics of a rod on the basis of last “lumped-mass” model have been found to be very close to those on the basis of “consistent-mass” model. Thus, one can easily take into account of the inertial effect of a helical spring using a massless one with “one half of its total mass”, respectively, concentrated at its two ends (in Method 2) instead of modeling it by an elastic rod with uniform mass per unit length (in Method 1). When one more spring-mass system is attached to the beam, the total number of unknown constants increases “one” in Method 2 and “two” in Method 1, thus, Method 2 will reduce more effort than Method 1 for studying the dynamic behaviors of a beam carrying a number of spring-mass systems with mass of each helical spring considered. In this paper, the formulations of Methods 1 and 2 are presented first and then the numerical examples are illustrated to confirm the reliability of the presented theory and the developed computer programs. Finally, the effect concerning mass of each helical spring of the spring-mass systems is studied.     

Shear bond strengths of two newly marketed self-adhesive resin cements to different substrates: A light and scanning electron microscopy evaluation

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the shear bond strengths (SBSs) of two newly marketed self-adhesive resin cements (RCs) to enamel, dentin, and lithium disilicate (LiSi) glass ceramic block. Forty-eight enamel and 48 dentin substrates were obtained from sound human molars. Additionally, 6 × 7 × 5 -mm- sized 24 specimens were produced from LiSi glass ceramic blocks. The tooth specimens were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 12) according to the surface treatments: (1) G-CEM ONE (GCO), (2) G-CEM ONE Adhesive Enhancing Primer (GCO-AEP) + GCO, (3) RelyX Universal (RXU), and (4) Scotchbond Universal Plus (SUP) + RXU. LiSi specimens were randomly divided into two groups (n = 12): (1) G-MultiPrimer (GMP) + GCO and (2) SUP + RXU. Following the RC applications, all specimens were kept in 100% humidity at 37°C for 24 hr and then submitted for SBS testing in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). Data were analyzed by Welch's, one-way analysis of variance and two independent samples t tests. The nature of failures was examined under a light microscope, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were also performed for interfaces. GCO and RXU showed similar SBS to enamel (p > .05), and the use of adhesives resulted in improved SBS (p < .05). No difference was detected between GCO-AEP + GCO and SUP + RXU. The GCO-AEP + GCO exhibited the highest SBS to dentin (p < .05), followed by GCO ≥ SUP + RXU > RXU (p < .05). There was no significant difference between SBSs of two RCs to LiSi blocks (p > .05). No cohesive failure was determined for the tested groups by light microscope. The use of adhesives prior to the application of self-adhesive RCs improved their bonding to tooth tissues. GCO demonstrated superior SBS to dentin, whereas both self-adhesive RCs generated similar SBS to enamel and LiSi glass ceramic surfaces.     

The effect of different cleaning agents and resin cement materials on the bond strength of contaminated zirconia

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different cleaning methods and resin cements on the shear bond strength (SBS) of contaminated zirconia. A total of 92 disc-shaped zirconia specimens were contaminated with different procedures. Then, the specimens were grouped according to cleaning methods and resin cements: no cleaning + Variolink Esthetic DC (CN_V), no cleaning + Panavia V5 (CN_P), sandblasted + Variolink Esthetic DC (SB_V), sandblasted + Panavia V5 (SB_P), Ivoclean + Variolink Esthetic DC (IC_V), Ivoclean + Panavia V5 (IC_P), Katana Cleaner + Variolink Esthetic DC (KC_V), and Katana Cleaner + Panavia V5 (KC_P). Following an aging protocol in a 37°C for 1 week, SBS analysis was performed with a universal test machine. For the surface topography and elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used. Significance was evaluated as p < .05 and p < .01. The highest SBS results were found in the SB_P group, showing a statistically significant difference from all other groups (p < .05). For the same cleaning method, Panavia V5 showed statistically significantly higher SBS values than Variolink Esthetic DC (p < .01), except the CN_P–CN_V (p = .880) and KC_P–KC_V (p = .082) groups. The most detected surface elements by EDS were Zr, O, C, and N, respectively. The contaminated zirconia surfaces must be cleaned for successful adhesion. The use of phosphate-containing adhesives in combination with sandblasting will increase the adhesion strength, and universal cleaning agents can be a good alternative to sandblasting.     

Differentiating the extent of cartilage repair in rabbit ears using nonlinear optical microscopy

Nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) was used as a noninvasive and label‐free tool to detect and quantify the extent of the cartilage recovery. Two cartilage injury models were established in the outer ears of rabbits that created a different extent of cartilage recovery based on the presence or absence of the perichondrium. High‐resolution NLOM images were used to measure cartilage repair, specifically through spectral analysis and image texture. In contrast to a wound lacking a perichondrium, wounds with intact perichondria demonstrated significantly larger TPEF signals from cells and matrix, coarser texture indicating the more deposition of type I collagen. Spectral analysis of cells and matrix can reveal the matrix properties and cell growth. In addition, texture analysis of NLOM images showed significant differences in the distribution of cells and matrix of repaired tissues with or without perichondrium. Specifically, the decay length of autocorrelation coefficient based on TPEF images is 11.2 ± 1.1 in Wound 2 (with perichondrium) and 7.5 ± 2.0 in Wound 1 (without perichondrium), indicating coarser image texture and faster growth of cells in repaired tissues with perichondrium (p < 0.05). Moreover, the decay length of autocorrelation coefficient based on collagen SHG images also showed significant difference between Wound 2 and 1 (16.2 ± 1.2 vs. 12.2 ± 2.1, p < 0.05), indicating coarser image texture and faster deposition of collagen in repaired tissues with perichondrium (Wound 2). These findings suggest that NLOM is an ideal tool for studying cartilage repair, with potential applications in clinical medicine. NLOM can capture macromolecular details and distinguish between different extents of cartilage repair without the need for labelling agents.     

Can sterilization methods influence surface properties of resin composites? A purpose for previewing bias in laboratory bacterial adhesion tests

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sterilization methods on conventional and bulk-fill resin composites' (BFRCs) surface properties in an attempt to preview bias in laboratory bacterial adhesion tests. Two regular viscosity conventional resin composites [Filtek Z350 XT™ (Z350) and IPS Empress Direct™ (ED)] and two regular viscosity BFRCs [Filtek Bulk Fill™ (FILT) and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill IVA™ (TBF)] were used. The materials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), surface roughness (SR), and wettability (W) after sterilization with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP) and steam sterilization (SS). Nonsterilized samples served as a control group (n = 5). Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). For SR, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups (p > .05). SS method decreased the contact angle for FILT and Z350 (p < .01). The SS promoted more exposition of filler particles, while the HPGP method did not alter the tested materials' morphology. Therefore, sterilization methods affected the resin composites tested selectively. HPGP seems to be the most recommended method to sterilize the tested resin composites before laboratory bacterial adhesion tests.     

On the Pressure Dependence of Shear Strengths in Sliding, Boundary-Layer Friction

Density functional theory, as implemented in a full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method, flair, is used to calculated the pressure-dependent shear strength S of KCl on a Fe(100) substrate and the results are compared to the experimental dependence given by S = S₀ + aP S = S_{0} + \alpha P , where P is the contact pressure and S ₀ = 65 ± 5 MPa and α = 0.14 ± 0.02. Calculations were performed for a KCl bilayer enclosed between two Fe(100) slabs, where the energy was found to vary harmonically as a function of the separation between the outermost layers. Thus, a simple analytical model was developed for the pressure-dependent shear strength of the film, which includes both linear and quadratic pressure dependence. However, the coefficient of the quadratic term was found to be much smaller than the linear term, leading to the linear shear-strength pressure dependence found experimentally. The calculated values of S ₀ 〈10〉 = 64 ± 9 and S ₀ 〈11〉 = 69 ± 8 MPa are in excellent agreement with experiment, while α 〈10〉 and α 〈11〉 equal 0.05 ± 0.01, somewhat lower than, but within the same range as the experimental values.     

Friction and wear of powdered composites impregnated with WS2 inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles

The impregnation of inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles of WS₂ (IF) allows to improve effectively the tribological properties of powdered materials in comparison to the impregnation of oil or commercially available layered WS₂ (2H) particles. The main goal of this work was to determine the dominant lubrication regimes under friction of the bronze, iron, and iron–nickel porous matrixes impregnated with 2H and IF solid lubricants. The tribological tests were performed at laboratory atmosphere (humidity ∼50%) using a ring-on-block tester at the sliding speed of V=1 m/s, and the loads of 150–1000 N. The wear of the metal bodies was measured by an eddy current probe system and by weighting of the samples before and after the test. In order to evaluate the radial clearance, the profiles of wear blocks were analyzed by profile projector. Than these data were used in the calculation of the Sommerfeld reciprocal values. Friction and wear results were presented as the Stribeck curves. The critical Sommerfeld reciprocals were evaluated from these curves. The Stribeck curves were compared with the Morgan’s curves for different ranges of non-dimensional permeability, Ψ. These results are used then in calculation of the permeability, Φ. Three lubrication regimes as: quasi-hydrodynamic, boundary or mixed, and dry friction were revealed under friction of porous samples in the load-range studied. It was found that the impregnation of IF nanoparticles provides the regime of quasi-hydrodynamic lubrication in the widest range of loads in comparison to the reference sample and the sample impregnated with 2H–WS₂. Fe–Ni samples exhibited the highest wear resistance and provided the widest range of quasi-hydrodynamic lubrication in comparison to bronze and iron powdered composites. The effect of IF on the regimes of lubrication is explained on the base of the third-body model. It is expected that the sliding/rolling of the IF nanoparticles in the boundary of the first bodies and in between the wear particles (third-body) facilitate the shear of the lubrication film and thus provide the quasi-hydrodynamic regime of friction. It is supposed that the roll shape of IF nanoparticles allows to release the IF from the pores to contact surfaces.     

Friction and Wear Properties of Silicon Carbide in Water from Different Sources

Low friction and low wear of SiC sliding against itself in water at room temperature have been well reported in the past 20 years, and some practical applications have been developed. However, the properties of friction and wear in pure, deionized or distilled water have been mainly observed and not in water from sources in nature. In this article, the fundamental properties of friction and wear between SiC ball and disk are observed in water from ground, river, and sea, and the results are compared with those in deionized water in the viewpoints of modes of lubrication and wear and the resultant values of friction coefficient and wear rate. The smallest friction coefficient (μ_ℓ = 0.005) in steady state is observed in deionized water and the largest (μ_ℓ = 0.013) in sea water. The smallest wear rate (w _s = 2.2 × 10⁻⁷ mm³/Nm) is observed in sea water and the largest (w _s = 3.1 × 10⁻⁷ mm³/Nm) in deionized water. The intermediate values of μ_ℓ and w _s between the smallest and the largest ones are observed in ground and river water. The modes of lubrication and wear, which generated observed values of μ_ℓ and w _s, are considered as mixed lubrication and tribochemical wear. The chemical elements of Na, Cl, Mg, and K in sea water observed on wear particles and pits are thought effective to generate the largest value of μ_ℓ and the smallest value of w _s.